Part of the problem

Your news report of the apparent disagreement within the group that is reported to be in the process of beginning methadone treatment in Down East Maine, if factual, is disappointing. One of the people quoted in the article states this treatment is “only a very small part of what we want to do.” This attitude is a big part of the problem. I would like to know what the main treatment for hard drug users is if it isn’t getting them off the drugs and methadone is the only proven method of do this. Apparently nurse practitioners don’t study drug treatment much at nurse practitioner school.

I know many fine people who have become hooked on hard drugs or narcotics. I’m not talking about heroin, although I know that is a problem too. Heroin is cheaper than the black market narcotics so people gravitate to when they can’t afford or find the Oxycontins and Diuludes they prefer. The only difference between addicts and you or me is the need for the drug; otherwise they can’t function. With methadone, they have a way to eliminate the drug requirement and, at the same time, function without the side effects of hard drug use.

Only the smallest, meanest person would oppose such a benefit to one of the most unfortunate segments of our society. When everyone is well the whole area will benefit.

Frank Rier

Lubec